Here is the Saline County COVID-19 update for Monday:

Here is the Saline County COVID-19 update for Monday:<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1627336812801.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

Saline County: 59 new COVID-19 cases since Friday

By CELIA LLOPIS-JEPSEN <a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2021-07-26/kansas-coronavirus-cases-skyrocket-from-hundreds-to-thousands-per-week">Kansas News Service</a>

Kansas has managed to travel backward in pandemic time. Suddenly it’s February again.

Except this time, the state faces a version of COVID-19 that’s twice as contagious.

The
 delta variant is plowing through a lightly vaccinated population, and 
multiplying fast. In mid-June, Kansas saw hundreds of new cases a week. 
Now, there are thousands of new cases per week.

Say
 you get a shot of Pfizer tomorrow, then the second dose three weeks 
later. A couple more weeks must pass before your body has built up its 
arsenal of antibodies to guard you against hospitalization and death.

“Five
 weeks is a long time,” deputy state health officer Joan Duwve said. 
“That’s just a prime opportunity for this virus to find you, to make you
 sick and to spread to other members of your family.”

Yes, you can
 still catch COVID-19 after getting a vaccine, but misinformation about 
what that means deflects from this simple fact: For the vast majority of
 people, your vaccinated body will be ready for it.

“These are 
just heroic vaccines,” said Vaughn Cooper, who heads the Center for 
Evolutionary Biology and Medicine at the University of Pittsburgh. “The 
chief scientific achievements of my lifetime.”

Around 99% of recent coronavirus deaths in the U.S. and 97% of the hospitalizations involved people who were <a href="https://www.npr.org/2021/07/16/1017002907/u-s-covid-deaths-are-rising-again-experts-call-it-a-pandemic-of-the-unvaccinated" target="_blank">unvaccinated</a>.

Each day, a few thousand Kansans get a shot of the vaccine that scientists say can stop this pandemic.

Meantime, Kansas hospitals are filling beds fast, and some are <a href="https://www.kcur.org/health/2021-07-22/kansas-city-hospitals-at-tipping-point-as-beds-fill-up-with-more-than-just-covid-patients" target="_blank">turning away seriously ill COVID patients from other areas</a> and asking nurses to sign up for extra shifts.

In late April, Kansas identified its first case of the delta variant. Now <a href="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/160/COVID-19-in-Kansas" target="_blank">almost all</a> the COVID cases here are this flavor.

Kansas sits smack dab in the delta zone, wedged between <a href="https://fortune.com/2021/07/21/delta-variant-covid-cases-states-where-its-most-prevalent/" target="_blank">other states</a> with the same problem — most notably, Missouri, where preventable infections are overwhelming hospitals in <a href="https://www.theatlantic.com/health/archive/2021/07/delta-missouri-pandemic-surge/619456/" target="_blank">Springfield</a>.

And
 so delta is doing what delta does best: spreading. The Centers for 
Disease Control and Prevention lists Kansas as one of 17 states with <a href="https://covid.cdc.gov/covid-data-tracker/#cases_community" target="_blank">high transmission levels</a> right now.

Not satisfied with hugging the Missouri border, the variant has 
crisscrossed the state, fueling upticks around Junction City, Wichita 
and other areas.

On the past three Mondays, Ascension Via Christi’s St. Francis Hospital in Wichita went from 13 patients to 20 to 46.

Dr. Sam Antonios, Via Christi’s chief clinical officer, described the health system’s staff as “disheartened.”

“They obviously don't want to have to go back to the same level of severity of illness,” he said.

Ascension built up significant stores of protective garb, testing gear and other supplies in the wake of last year’s shortages.

“What
 will continue to be the challenge is getting all the right staff in the
 right places,” he said. “We’re bringing in extra staff where we can and
 where we need to. However, it would be better for us to not have to do 
any of that.”

And that’s possible, scientists say, if people lean on the same tools that helped combat other varieties of COVID-19.

You’ve heard it before. It matters again. Wearing masks. Social distancing. Limiting gatherings to outdoors or <a href="https://www.centerforhealthsecurity.org/our-work/pubs_archive/pubs-pdfs/2021/20210526-school-ventilation.pdf" target="_blank">well-ventilated</a> spaces. Getting the vaccine. Going for a <a href="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/280/COVID-19-Testing" target="_blank">free coronavirus test</a> if you have so much as the sniffles.

Could
 it get as bad as last December, when daily COVID inpatients topped 
1,000 and desperate hospitals spent hours calling each other in search 
of a free bed, only to send critically ill patients hours by ambulance 
out of state to Omaha or whatever other Midwest city had a free spot 
that day?

Experts lean toward “no,” but with significant caveats.

The
 good news: 80% of the state’s residents 65 years and older got 
vaccinated. That group faced the biggest risks from COVID-19. So with 
far fewer older people landing in the hospital, the hope is to avoid 
running out of beds like last winter.

But the other 20% of people over the age of 65 who didn’t get vaccinated are still a lot of people.

And on the whole, less than half the state’s population got the shots. In many counties, less than a third.

That’s not enough to keep such a swift moving variant in check, as Springfield shows.

“We
 don’t, unfortunately, have high enough vaccination in Kansas or 
Missouri” to slow the spread, said Amber D’Souza, a professor of 
epidemiology at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. 
“It’s going to have to be preventive measures — distancing and 
behavioral changes.”

Delta “is just a harder battle,” she said. “Because it is spreading to more people each time someone is infected.”

The new variant generates <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-021-01986-w" target="_blank">far more copies</a>
 of itself in a person, which helps it reach the next one. Even a 
vaccinated person with little in the way of symptoms could pass the 
germs along to an unvaccinated friend, who then gets very ill.

So 
while the U.S. as a whole shouldn’t see inpatient numbers and deaths 
spike as high as last winter, experts like D’Souza warn that some parts of the country could get clobbered just as bad this fall.

Last winter, the U.S. was racking up more than <a href="https://covid.cdc.gov/covid-data-tracker/#trends_dailytrendscases" target="_blank">200,000 new confirmed infections a day</a>,
 which fell to around 10,000 earlier this summer. With the advent of 
delta, the country is back to reporting more than 60,000 a day.

Kansas confirmed nearly 4,000 new cases last week and daily inpatient
 numbers have climbed back to nearly 400. The state hasn’t seen figures 
like that since February.

“It is scary,” said Duwve, from the state health department.

“That
 story has yet to be written,” she said. “Because we as individuals have
 a lot of control over our behavior, and we know that there are things 
we can do to prevent the ongoing spread.”

Schools face a tough decision for that reason: whether to make students mask up when classes restart in a few weeks.

“The
 safest thing to do is to wear masks all the time,” D’Souza said. “But 
there's a cost for that. For everyone's comfort, right?”

The 
ideal, she said, is for school districts to set a threshold. When the 
case rate in their area hits that number, it’s time to put on the masks.

But some school districts might find it difficult to communicate that plan to the public, she said.

So if superintendents have to make a call in August and stick with it, then they’ve got to look at the outlook now.

Apparently, Kansas City doctors think the situation is bad enough to warrant masking up.

Last week, 100 of them signed <a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2021-07-22/despite-covid-surge-and-advice-from-health-experts-most-kansas-schoolkids-wont-have-to-wear-masks" target="_blank">an open letter</a> begging schools to have unvaccinated students and teachers wear masks this fall.

So far just one major Kansas school district — Kansas City, Kansas — has agreed.

Celia
 Llopis-Jepsen reports on consumer health for the Kansas News Service. 
You can follow her on Twitter @celia_LJ or email her at celia@kcur.org.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1627330587128.png" alt="Carlos Moreno / KCUR 89.3" />
 <figcaption>Carlos Moreno / KCUR 89.3</figcaption>
 </figure>By CELIA LLOPIS-JEPSEN <a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2021-07-26/kansas-coronavirus-cases-skyrocket-from-hundreds-to-thousands-per-week">Kansas News Service</a>Kansas has managed to travel backward in pandemic time. Suddenly it’s February again.Except this time, the state faces a version of COVID-19 that’s twice as contagious.The
 delta variant is plowing through a lightly vaccinated population, and 
multiplying fast. In mid-June, Kansas saw hundreds of new cases a week. 
Now, there are thousands of new cases per week.That’s why time really matters.Say
 you get a shot of Pfizer tomorrow, then the second dose three weeks 
later. A couple more weeks must pass before your body has built up its 
arsenal of antibodies to guard you against hospitalization and death.“Five
 weeks is a long time,” deputy state health officer Joan Duwve said. 
“That’s just a prime opportunity for this virus to find you, to make you
 sick and to spread to other members of your family.”Yes, you can
 still catch COVID-19 after getting a vaccine, but misinformation about 
what that means deflects from this simple fact: For the vast majority of
 people, your vaccinated body will be ready for it.“These are 
just heroic vaccines,” said Vaughn Cooper, who heads the Center for 
Evolutionary Biology and Medicine at the University of Pittsburgh. “The 
chief scientific achievements of my lifetime.”Around 99% of recent coronavirus deaths in the U.S. and 97% of the hospitalizations involved people who were <a href="https://www.npr.org/2021/07/16/1017002907/u-s-covid-deaths-are-rising-again-experts-call-it-a-pandemic-of-the-unvaccinated" target="_blank">unvaccinated</a>.Each day, a few thousand Kansans get a shot of the vaccine that scientists say can stop this pandemic.Meantime, Kansas hospitals are filling beds fast, and some are <a href="https://www.kcur.org/health/2021-07-22/kansas-city-hospitals-at-tipping-point-as-beds-fill-up-with-more-than-just-covid-patients" target="_blank">turning away seriously ill COVID patients from other areas</a> and asking nurses to sign up for extra shifts.<h2>The delta in Kansas</h2>In late April, Kansas identified its first case of the delta variant. Now <a href="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/160/COVID-19-in-Kansas" target="_blank">almost all</a> the COVID cases here are this flavor.Kansas sits smack dab in the delta zone, wedged between <a href="https://fortune.com/2021/07/21/delta-variant-covid-cases-states-where-its-most-prevalent/" target="_blank">other states</a> with the same problem — most notably, Missouri, where preventable infections are overwhelming hospitals in <a href="https://www.theatlantic.com/health/archive/2021/07/delta-missouri-pandemic-surge/619456/" target="_blank">Springfield</a>.And
 so delta is doing what delta does best: spreading. The Centers for 
Disease Control and Prevention lists Kansas as one of 17 states with <a href="https://covid.cdc.gov/covid-data-tracker/#cases_community" target="_blank">high transmission levels</a> right now.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1627330645256.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Not satisfied with hugging the Missouri border, the variant has 
crisscrossed the state, fueling upticks around Junction City, Wichita 
and other areas.On the past three Mondays, Ascension Via Christi’s St. Francis Hospital in Wichita went from 13 patients to 20 to 46.Dr. Sam Antonios, Via Christi’s chief clinical officer, described the health system’s staff as “disheartened.”“They obviously don't want to have to go back to the same level of severity of illness,” he said.Ascension built up significant stores of protective garb, testing gear and other supplies in the wake of last year’s shortages.“What
 will continue to be the challenge is getting all the right staff in the
 right places,” he said. “We’re bringing in extra staff where we can and
 where we need to. However, it would be better for us to not have to do 
any of that.”And that’s possible, scientists say, if people lean on the same tools that helped combat other varieties of COVID-19.You’ve heard it before. It matters again. Wearing masks. Social distancing. Limiting gatherings to outdoors or <a href="https://www.centerforhealthsecurity.org/our-work/pubs_archive/pubs-pdfs/2021/20210526-school-ventilation.pdf" target="_blank">well-ventilated</a> spaces. Getting the vaccine. Going for a <a href="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/280/COVID-19-Testing" target="_blank">free coronavirus test</a> if you have so much as the sniffles.<h2>The big question</h2>How bad will it get in Kansas?Could
 it get as bad as last December, when daily COVID inpatients topped 
1,000 and desperate hospitals spent hours calling each other in search 
of a free bed, only to send critically ill patients hours by ambulance 
out of state to Omaha or whatever other Midwest city had a free spot 
that day?Experts lean toward “no,” but with significant caveats.The
 good news: 80% of the state’s residents 65 years and older got 
vaccinated. That group faced the biggest risks from COVID-19. So with 
far fewer older people landing in the hospital, the hope is to avoid 
running out of beds like last winter.But the other 20% of people over the age of 65 who didn’t get vaccinated are still a lot of people.And on the whole, less than half the state’s population got the shots. In many counties, less than a third.That’s not enough to keep such a swift moving variant in check, as Springfield shows.“We
 don’t, unfortunately, have high enough vaccination in Kansas or 
Missouri” to slow the spread, said Amber D’Souza, a professor of 
epidemiology at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. 
“It’s going to have to be preventive measures — distancing and 
behavioral changes.”Delta “is just a harder battle,” she said. “Because it is spreading to more people each time someone is infected.”The new variant generates <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-021-01986-w" target="_blank">far more copies</a>
 of itself in a person, which helps it reach the next one. Even a 
vaccinated person with little in the way of symptoms could pass the 
germs along to an unvaccinated friend, who then gets very ill.So 
while the U.S. as a whole shouldn’t see inpatient numbers and deaths 
spike as high as last winter, experts like D’Souza warn that some parts of the country could get clobbered just as bad this fall.Last winter, the U.S. was racking up more than <a href="https://covid.cdc.gov/covid-data-tracker/#trends_dailytrendscases" target="_blank">200,000 new confirmed infections a day</a>,
 which fell to around 10,000 earlier this summer. With the advent of 
delta, the country is back to reporting more than 60,000 a day.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1627330675834.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Kansas confirmed nearly 4,000 new cases last week and daily inpatient
 numbers have climbed back to nearly 400. The state hasn’t seen figures 
like that since February.“It is scary,” said Duwve, from the state health department.So what happens next?“That
 story has yet to be written,” she said. “Because we as individuals have
 a lot of control over our behavior, and we know that there are things 
we can do to prevent the ongoing spread.”<h2>The school debate</h2>Schools face a tough decision for that reason: whether to make students mask up when classes restart in a few weeks.“The
 safest thing to do is to wear masks all the time,” D’Souza said. “But 
there's a cost for that. For everyone's comfort, right?”The 
ideal, she said, is for school districts to set a threshold. When the 
case rate in their area hits that number, it’s time to put on the masks.But some school districts might find it difficult to communicate that plan to the public, she said.So if superintendents have to make a call in August and stick with it, then they’ve got to look at the outlook now.Apparently, Kansas City doctors think the situation is bad enough to warrant masking up.Last week, 100 of them signed <a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2021-07-22/despite-covid-surge-and-advice-from-health-experts-most-kansas-schoolkids-wont-have-to-wear-masks" target="_blank">an open letter</a> begging schools to have unvaccinated students and teachers wear masks this fall.So far just one major Kansas school district — Kansas City, Kansas — has agreed.Celia
 Llopis-Jepsen reports on consumer health for the Kansas News Service. 
You can follow her on Twitter @celia_LJ or email her at celia@kcur.org.

Kan. COVID cases skyrocket from hundreds to thousands per week 

By SALINA FAMILY HEALTHCARE CENTER

Earth has been valiantly fighting off super villain, Corona. The COVID-19 CureSaders have landed in Salina, to help our community end Corona’s evil plot. 

Vaxx and Mask, the Corona fighting duo, called the CureSaders, are looking for one more #VaxHero to help them defeat Corona once and for all.

This is where they need your help! They have called upon all kids, aged 18 and under, to use their creativity to come up with a new #VaxHero to join the CureSaders!

Vaxx and Mask have issued the following instructions. All superheroes must:

●Focus on fighting off Corona and his plot to infect the world with COVID-19

●Be drawn on the official coloring sheet (<a href="http://vaccinatesalinecountyks.com">vaccinatesalinecountyks.com</a>)

●Have a super cool name Your #VaxHero art can be submitted to <a href="mailto:submissions@salinahealth.org">submissions@salinahealth.org</a> or can be brought in/mailed to Salina Family Healthcare Center at 651 E. Prescott Rd before Aug. 16. The winning superhero will be placed on the fouth and final #VaxHero trading card!

The original three cards (Vaxx, Mask, and Corona) can be picked up at Salina Public Library, Salina Family Healthcare Center, or Saline County Health Department or by getting your COVID-19 vaccine at any participating Saline County clinic or pharmacy.

A winning #VaxHero will be selected and announced on Aug. 18 on <a href="http://vaccinatesalinecountyks.com">vaccinatesalinecountyks.com</a> and on Salina Family Healthcare Center’s Facebook, Instagram (@SalinaHealth), and website, <a href="http://salinahealth.org">salinahealth.org</a>.

For more contest details and information on COVID-19 testing and vaccinations, please visit <a href="http://vaccinatesalinecountyks.com">vaccinatesalinecountyks.com</a>.

The initiative is sponsored by Salina Media Connection, Salina Family Healthcare Center, and Kansas Leadership Center.

By SALINA FAMILY HEALTHCARE CENTEREarth has been valiantly fighting off super villain, Corona. The COVID-19 CureSaders have landed in Salina, to help our community end Corona’s evil plot. Vaxx and Mask, the Corona fighting duo, called the CureSaders, are looking for one more #VaxHero to help them defeat Corona once and for all.<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Iy0w3mqFElM" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>This is where they need your help! They have called upon all kids, aged 18 and under, to use their creativity to come up with a new #VaxHero to join the CureSaders!<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/4WoP-HpGSjw" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>Vaxx and Mask have issued the following instructions. All superheroes must:●Focus on fighting off Corona and his plot to infect the world with COVID-19●Be drawn on the official coloring sheet (<a href="http://vaccinatesalinecountyks.com">vaccinatesalinecountyks.com</a>)●Have a super cool name Your #VaxHero art can be submitted to <a href="mailto:submissions@salinahealth.org">submissions@salinahealth.org</a> or can be brought in/mailed to Salina Family Healthcare Center at 651 E. Prescott Rd before Aug. 16. The winning superhero will be placed on the fouth and final #VaxHero trading card!The original three cards (Vaxx, Mask, and Corona) can be picked up at Salina Public Library, Salina Family Healthcare Center, or Saline County Health Department or by getting your COVID-19 vaccine at any participating Saline County clinic or pharmacy.<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/4D4eUjYVbcY" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>A winning #VaxHero will be selected and announced on Aug. 18 on <a href="http://vaccinatesalinecountyks.com">vaccinatesalinecountyks.com</a> and on Salina Family Healthcare Center’s Facebook, Instagram (@SalinaHealth), and website, <a href="http://salinahealth.org">salinahealth.org</a>.For more contest details and information on COVID-19 testing and vaccinations, please visit <a href="http://vaccinatesalinecountyks.com">vaccinatesalinecountyks.com</a>.The initiative is sponsored by Salina Media Connection, Salina Family Healthcare Center, and Kansas Leadership Center.

🎥VaxHero art contest for ages 18 and under launches

Following is the Saline County COVID-19 update for Friday.

Saline County is currently experiencing a new wave of COVID-19 infections.

The last seven days have seen 85 new confirmed COVID-19 cases, there have been 37 new cases since our last update on Wednesday, July 21.

KDHE has detected variants in 41 of the 165 specimens sequenced. This information and more can be found on the&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001flGfOlWnaeQv4p7-8xD15PqOd-k50YK8xaZu5jk1spHASwIMSzjDvnlKkQACH_0u4FEVQ6UQLsw6_2eX03RnquLF7BRht8VEkLBqVhwVtIwAIdbvBhHGqvWHcS-4k-pi9MpFzzgpfrOfWEO2e7JeWusmRYp-Olw_cJrwoWtQy2Jc6dUOBJkKd3MiWO4Tmz_E&amp;c=5XT1g_KYX9EsggleyMD4J0oHPgQU3kd8QuliTA_nhJPeQp7uC8yswA==&amp;ch=27TXRgxqMPIR_7ayblhtf1_HEz5P2Wwi-3MNrt7H-62SlKeucUephA==" target="_blank">KDHE website</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1627076104066.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Following is the Saline County COVID-19 update for Friday.Saline County is currently experiencing a new wave of COVID-19 infections. The last seven days have seen 85 new confirmed COVID-19 cases, there have been 37 new cases since our last update on Wednesday, July 21. KDHE has detected variants in 41 of the 165 specimens sequenced. This information and more can be found on the&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001flGfOlWnaeQv4p7-8xD15PqOd-k50YK8xaZu5jk1spHASwIMSzjDvnlKkQACH_0u4FEVQ6UQLsw6_2eX03RnquLF7BRht8VEkLBqVhwVtIwAIdbvBhHGqvWHcS-4k-pi9MpFzzgpfrOfWEO2e7JeWusmRYp-Olw_cJrwoWtQy2Jc6dUOBJkKd3MiWO4Tmz_E&amp;c=5XT1g_KYX9EsggleyMD4J0oHPgQU3kd8QuliTA_nhJPeQp7uC8yswA==&amp;ch=27TXRgxqMPIR_7ayblhtf1_HEz5P2Wwi-3MNrt7H-62SlKeucUephA==" target="_blank">KDHE website</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Saline County: 37 new COVID-19 cases since Wednesday update

The Saline County Health Department just issued the following statement concerning a COVID-19 spreader event.

At least seven individuals who recently tested positive for COVID-19 were in attendance at Outlaws Bar on the evening of July 10, according to information attained by contact tracers at the Saline County Health Department.

Individuals present at Outlaws on July 10 should monitor themselves for symptoms. If they develop symptoms should get tested for COVID-19.

This is an active outbreak investigation. Additional details including the vaccination status of the individuals, variant sequencing, and the like are not currently available.

The Saline County Health Department will release more details as they become available.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The Saline County Health Department just issued the following statement concerning a COVID-19 spreader event.At least seven individuals who recently tested positive for COVID-19 were in attendance at Outlaws Bar on the evening of July 10, according to information attained by contact tracers at the Saline County Health Department. Individuals present at Outlaws on July 10 should monitor themselves for symptoms. If they develop symptoms should get tested for COVID-19. This is an active outbreak investigation. Additional details including the vaccination status of the individuals, variant sequencing, and the like are not currently available. The Saline County Health Department will release more details as they become available.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Saline County: Mass COVID-19 spreader event at Outlaws

Following is the Saline County COVID-19 update for Wednesday.

At least 21,614 people have been vaccinated in Saline County. This accounts for approximately 39.9 percent of the total population and an increase of just .5 percent (or an additional 227 residents) over the previous week.

We are aware of a reporting issue with federal providers like CVS, the VA, and others who are not reporting their vaccination numbers at the state level. We are awaiting a fix on the federal level.

No additional deaths due to COVID-19 has been reported in the past week. Salina Regional Health Center reported today that three people require hospitalization for COVID-19. While medical privacy laws prevent the release of identifying information, teens and young adults account for the bulk of the new and active cases in the county, while most of the people requiring hospitalization are in their 40s, 50s, or 60s.

A variant of COVID-19 has been detected in 38 of the 163 specimens the Kansas Department of Health and Environment has sequenced from Saline County. A deeper analysis of this information can be found on the&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=00129YHZeBn-sQfUuJ9cXRXSu6z8nX2QDSJ-rzElcARFigqsLYnLR7bf0IBSdEYaOyMy9byw2-_3Y9RgnLO6xBOEk4ys97Vwej59wDd7Gf0Key6_hYiuT43213E3oiTQ1NHmxymApnwA36wlbQZoK2VGP3IfgImbXvM&amp;c=eSICkMNZ5TTxEbYo7wIjvgLMmP0041lnwEii0NV6Sb-DkHReYO0JsQ==&amp;ch=Q8U1eSbC5A4dXjpTdGk6P_N7yF3QJxY-I0GsZwZzCEhQS57C3e-p-Q==" target="_blank">KDHE Coronavirus website</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The best way to stop the spread of COVID-19 and thus prevent mutation of the virus is:

•Stay home&nbsp;if you are sick.

•Get tested&nbsp;if you feel unwell, even if you don’t believe it is COVID. You can find testing centers at&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=00129YHZeBn-sQfUuJ9cXRXSu6z8nX2QDSJ-rzElcARFigqsLYnLR7bf788swRZENpoXjYUj28pHHhGl65kEV3JUzwPqLBJgi2yntcek-_NrXW8xU5O1GuR8ORTMG2g5OILdWmKYUMf3adWh8BgSYsBgg==&amp;c=eSICkMNZ5TTxEbYo7wIjvgLMmP0041lnwEii0NV6Sb-DkHReYO0JsQ==&amp;ch=Q8U1eSbC5A4dXjpTdGk6P_N7yF3QJxY-I0GsZwZzCEhQS57C3e-p-Q==" target="_blank">gogettested.com</a>.

•Get vaccinated. You can find a vaccine at&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=00129YHZeBn-sQfUuJ9cXRXSu6z8nX2QDSJ-rzElcARFigqsLYnLR7bf6wLV7IzJN0VgWXvn111YQjT22fwaX6j89QMMdFOZwgkER8S4EjlO4uYV9EqY73S67iDdzxaAl-4CKQIJWzcMqroFs0gAFdQRg==&amp;c=eSICkMNZ5TTxEbYo7wIjvgLMmP0041lnwEii0NV6Sb-DkHReYO0JsQ==&amp;ch=Q8U1eSbC5A4dXjpTdGk6P_N7yF3QJxY-I0GsZwZzCEhQS57C3e-p-Q==" target="_blank">vaccines.gov</a>.

•Wear a mask, especially if you are not fully vaccinated.

•Maintain at least6 feet of distance between yourself and those with whom you do not live.

•Do not travel to&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=00129YHZeBn-sQfUuJ9cXRXSu6z8nX2QDSJ-rzElcARFigqsLYnLR7bf6wLV7IzJN0VOcG8vaKC4uC0qmsR5cX_hAnJwwdwfwSDh8EhRYqYrJS4yUW8TelZXNfS-aDKxdylUnnfvnMiz6pQGCuu5b5wkH3gu1f5XeKZwfiJmq6mcygFNj_b5o1rQ_Iap1p-_j4YRMQVQpo_hw8iQ9vcDF1fmS_636xy5mpx&amp;c=eSICkMNZ5TTxEbYo7wIjvgLMmP0041lnwEii0NV6Sb-DkHReYO0JsQ==&amp;ch=Q8U1eSbC5A4dXjpTdGk6P_N7yF3QJxY-I0GsZwZzCEhQS57C3e-p-Q==" target="_blank">“hot spots."</a>

<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=00129YHZeBn-sQfUuJ9cXRXSu6z8nX2QDSJ-rzElcARFigqsLYnLR7bf6wLV7IzJN0VOcG8vaKC4uC0qmsR5cX_hAnJwwdwfwSDh8EhRYqYrJS4yUW8TelZXNfS-aDKxdylUnnfvnMiz6pQGCuu5b5wkH3gu1f5XeKZwfiJmq6mcygFNj_b5o1rQ_Iap1p-_j4YRMQVQpo_hw8iQ9vcDF1fmS_636xy5mpx&amp;c=eSICkMNZ5TTxEbYo7wIjvgLMmP0041lnwEii0NV6Sb-DkHReYO0JsQ==&amp;ch=Q8U1eSbC5A4dXjpTdGk6P_N7yF3QJxY-I0GsZwZzCEhQS57C3e-p-Q==" target="_blank"></a>•If you test positive, isolate immediately and be open and honest with COVID caseworkers about your contacts.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1626903277412.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Following is the Saline County COVID-19 update for Wednesday.At least 21,614 people have been vaccinated in Saline County. This accounts for approximately 39.9 percent of the total population and an increase of just .5 percent (or an additional 227 residents) over the previous week. We are aware of a reporting issue with federal providers like CVS, the VA, and others who are not reporting their vaccination numbers at the state level. We are awaiting a fix on the federal level. No additional deaths due to COVID-19 has been reported in the past week. Salina Regional Health Center reported today that three people require hospitalization for COVID-19. While medical privacy laws prevent the release of identifying information, teens and young adults account for the bulk of the new and active cases in the county, while most of the people requiring hospitalization are in their 40s, 50s, or 60s. A variant of COVID-19 has been detected in 38 of the 163 specimens the Kansas Department of Health and Environment has sequenced from Saline County. A deeper analysis of this information can be found on the&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=00129YHZeBn-sQfUuJ9cXRXSu6z8nX2QDSJ-rzElcARFigqsLYnLR7bf0IBSdEYaOyMy9byw2-_3Y9RgnLO6xBOEk4ys97Vwej59wDd7Gf0Key6_hYiuT43213E3oiTQ1NHmxymApnwA36wlbQZoK2VGP3IfgImbXvM&amp;c=eSICkMNZ5TTxEbYo7wIjvgLMmP0041lnwEii0NV6Sb-DkHReYO0JsQ==&amp;ch=Q8U1eSbC5A4dXjpTdGk6P_N7yF3QJxY-I0GsZwZzCEhQS57C3e-p-Q==" target="_blank">KDHE Coronavirus website</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;The best way to stop the spread of COVID-19 and thus prevent mutation of the virus is:•Stay home&nbsp;if you are sick.•Get tested&nbsp;if you feel unwell, even if you don’t believe it is COVID. You can find testing centers at&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=00129YHZeBn-sQfUuJ9cXRXSu6z8nX2QDSJ-rzElcARFigqsLYnLR7bf788swRZENpoXjYUj28pHHhGl65kEV3JUzwPqLBJgi2yntcek-_NrXW8xU5O1GuR8ORTMG2g5OILdWmKYUMf3adWh8BgSYsBgg==&amp;c=eSICkMNZ5TTxEbYo7wIjvgLMmP0041lnwEii0NV6Sb-DkHReYO0JsQ==&amp;ch=Q8U1eSbC5A4dXjpTdGk6P_N7yF3QJxY-I0GsZwZzCEhQS57C3e-p-Q==" target="_blank">gogettested.com</a>.•Get vaccinated. You can find a vaccine at&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=00129YHZeBn-sQfUuJ9cXRXSu6z8nX2QDSJ-rzElcARFigqsLYnLR7bf6wLV7IzJN0VgWXvn111YQjT22fwaX6j89QMMdFOZwgkER8S4EjlO4uYV9EqY73S67iDdzxaAl-4CKQIJWzcMqroFs0gAFdQRg==&amp;c=eSICkMNZ5TTxEbYo7wIjvgLMmP0041lnwEii0NV6Sb-DkHReYO0JsQ==&amp;ch=Q8U1eSbC5A4dXjpTdGk6P_N7yF3QJxY-I0GsZwZzCEhQS57C3e-p-Q==" target="_blank">vaccines.gov</a>.•Wear a mask, especially if you are not fully vaccinated.•Maintain at least6 feet of distance between yourself and those with whom you do not live.•Do not travel to&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=00129YHZeBn-sQfUuJ9cXRXSu6z8nX2QDSJ-rzElcARFigqsLYnLR7bf6wLV7IzJN0VOcG8vaKC4uC0qmsR5cX_hAnJwwdwfwSDh8EhRYqYrJS4yUW8TelZXNfS-aDKxdylUnnfvnMiz6pQGCuu5b5wkH3gu1f5XeKZwfiJmq6mcygFNj_b5o1rQ_Iap1p-_j4YRMQVQpo_hw8iQ9vcDF1fmS_636xy5mpx&amp;c=eSICkMNZ5TTxEbYo7wIjvgLMmP0041lnwEii0NV6Sb-DkHReYO0JsQ==&amp;ch=Q8U1eSbC5A4dXjpTdGk6P_N7yF3QJxY-I0GsZwZzCEhQS57C3e-p-Q==" target="_blank">“hot spots."</a><a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=00129YHZeBn-sQfUuJ9cXRXSu6z8nX2QDSJ-rzElcARFigqsLYnLR7bf6wLV7IzJN0VOcG8vaKC4uC0qmsR5cX_hAnJwwdwfwSDh8EhRYqYrJS4yUW8TelZXNfS-aDKxdylUnnfvnMiz6pQGCuu5b5wkH3gu1f5XeKZwfiJmq6mcygFNj_b5o1rQ_Iap1p-_j4YRMQVQpo_hw8iQ9vcDF1fmS_636xy5mpx&amp;c=eSICkMNZ5TTxEbYo7wIjvgLMmP0041lnwEii0NV6Sb-DkHReYO0JsQ==&amp;ch=Q8U1eSbC5A4dXjpTdGk6P_N7yF3QJxY-I0GsZwZzCEhQS57C3e-p-Q==" target="_blank"></a>•If you test positive, isolate immediately and be open and honest with COVID caseworkers about your contacts.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Saline County: 34 new COVID-19 cases since Monday; 6,282 recovered

Here's Saline County's COVID-19 report for Monday.

Here's Saline County's COVID-19 report for Monday.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1626739148277.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

Saline County COVID-19 update

Due to the recent increase of new COVID-19 cases in Saline County and rise in the number of variants sequenced, the Saline County Health Department will return to reporting local COVID-19 data three times per week. Vaccination statistics are updated each Wednesday, while case numbers will be shared each Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.

At least 21,387 people have been vaccinated in Saline County. This accounts for approximately 39.4 percent of the total population and an increase of just .4 percent over the previous week. We are aware of a reporting issue with federal providers like CVS, the VA, and others who are&nbsp;not&nbsp;reporting their vaccination numbers at the state level. We are awaiting a fix on the federal level.&nbsp;

One additional death due to COVID-19 has been reported thus far in July. Salina Regional Health Center reported today that five people require hospitalization for COVID-19. While medical privacy laws prevent the release of identifying information, teens and young adults account for the bulk of the new and active cases in the county, while most of the people requiring hospitalization are in their 40s, 50s, or 60s.

In fact, the Saline County Health officer reports that since the beginning of June, just four people over the age of 70 have tested positive for the virus.

A variant of COVID-19 has been detected in 27 of the 152 specimens the Kansas Department of Health and Environment has sequenced from Saline County. A deeper analysis of this information can be found on the&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0019g48XEyDqynvVw06BSkZhsA-EtddZ-g54so41jcLYqYYr8Joi__fR0iGqD-mVS5c501Ox4u72f_QXiO5mG0GPsZzhSi-IMAZTz7a1QFEXjwT9wusL-L0Vx1I9wZugWd8eaZpFvKKtvFXuHO7WUtgaAlmmGPHPVkB&amp;c=rFEbJ-cGig9UFKY2SucZ0r3KSWm_gGmOpnbr3y9cCXa72bk8_o352Q==&amp;ch=RvIXNruZaVryEVi3DstIusCBh2IAopvQzk-45QQNo0ezDAuWUWVxWg==" target="_blank">KDHE Coronavirus website</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1626475368688.png" alt="COVID by the Numbers 7162021.png" />
 <figcaption>COVID by the Numbers 7162021.png</figcaption>
 </figure>Following is the Saline County COVID-19 update for Friday.Due to the recent increase of new COVID-19 cases in Saline County and rise in the number of variants sequenced, the Saline County Health Department will return to reporting local COVID-19 data three times per week. Vaccination statistics are updated each Wednesday, while case numbers will be shared each Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. At least 21,387 people have been vaccinated in Saline County. This accounts for approximately 39.4 percent of the total population and an increase of just .4 percent over the previous week. We are aware of a reporting issue with federal providers like CVS, the VA, and others who are&nbsp;not&nbsp;reporting their vaccination numbers at the state level. We are awaiting a fix on the federal level.&nbsp; One additional death due to COVID-19 has been reported thus far in July. Salina Regional Health Center reported today that five people require hospitalization for COVID-19. While medical privacy laws prevent the release of identifying information, teens and young adults account for the bulk of the new and active cases in the county, while most of the people requiring hospitalization are in their 40s, 50s, or 60s. In fact, the Saline County Health officer reports that since the beginning of June, just four people over the age of 70 have tested positive for the virus. A variant of COVID-19 has been detected in 27 of the 152 specimens the Kansas Department of Health and Environment has sequenced from Saline County. A deeper analysis of this information can be found on the&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0019g48XEyDqynvVw06BSkZhsA-EtddZ-g54so41jcLYqYYr8Joi__fR0iGqD-mVS5c501Ox4u72f_QXiO5mG0GPsZzhSi-IMAZTz7a1QFEXjwT9wusL-L0Vx1I9wZugWd8eaZpFvKKtvFXuHO7WUtgaAlmmGPHPVkB&amp;c=rFEbJ-cGig9UFKY2SucZ0r3KSWm_gGmOpnbr3y9cCXa72bk8_o352Q==&amp;ch=RvIXNruZaVryEVi3DstIusCBh2IAopvQzk-45QQNo0ezDAuWUWVxWg==" target="_blank">KDHE Coronavirus website</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Saline County resumes 3-times-per-week COVID-19 updates

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Due to an increase in COVID-19 cases in Dickinson County, the National Archives and Records Administration is closing the Dwight D. Eisenhower Presidential Library and Museum in Abilene effective Monday.

“It is with great disappointment that I am ordering the Dwight D. Eisenhower Presidential Library and Museum closed until public health conditions improve,” said Archivist of the United States David S. Ferriero.

The seven-day average for new COVID-19 cases and the positivity rate in this area both far exceed the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) definition of "high transmission," which is more than 99 new cases per 100,000 and a positivity rate of more than 9.9 percent.

“I am taking this action out of concern for the health of the staff and the visiting public,” Ferriero said.

After closing due to the pandemic in March 2020, the Eisenhower Museum reopened to guests on a limited basis on May 20, 2021, and announced expanded hours on June 16, 2021. 

The National Archives will reopen the Eisenhower Museum as soon as the public health conditions allow.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1621437146845.jpeg" alt="The Eisenhower Museum. Photo courtesy the Dwight D. Eisenhower Presidential Library" />
 <figcaption>The Eisenhower Museum. Photo courtesy the Dwight D. Eisenhower Presidential Library</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON, D.C. – Due to an increase in COVID-19 cases in Dickinson County, the National Archives and Records Administration is closing the Dwight D. Eisenhower Presidential Library and Museum in Abilene effective Monday.“It is with great disappointment that I am ordering the Dwight D. Eisenhower Presidential Library and Museum closed until public health conditions improve,” said Archivist of the United States David S. Ferriero. The seven-day average for new COVID-19 cases and the positivity rate in this area both far exceed the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) definition of "high transmission," which is more than 99 new cases per 100,000 and a positivity rate of more than 9.9 percent. “I am taking this action out of concern for the health of the staff and the visiting public,” Ferriero said. After closing due to the pandemic in March 2020, the Eisenhower Museum reopened to guests on a limited basis on May 20, 2021, and announced expanded hours on June 16, 2021. The National Archives will reopen the Eisenhower Museum as soon as the public health conditions allow.

Eisenhower Museum to close due to public health conditions

At least 21,387 people have been vaccinated in Saline County. This accounts for approximately 39.4 percent of the total population and an increase of just .4 percent over the previous week. We are aware of a reporting issue with federal providers like CVS, the VA, and others who are not reporting their vaccination numbers at the state level. We are awaiting a fix on the federal level.

One additional death due to COVID-19 has been reported. Salina Regional Health Center reported today that four people require hospitalization for COVID-19. While medical privacy laws prevent the release of identifying information, teens and young adults account for the bulk of the new and active cases in the county, while most of the people requiring hospitalization are in their 40s, 50s, or 60s.

In fact, the Saline County Health officer reports that since the beginning of June, just four people over the age of 70 have tested positive for the virus.

A variant of COVID-19 has been detected in 25 of the 149 specimens the Kansas Department of Health and Environment has sequenced from Saline County. A deeper analysis of this information can be found on the&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001rVw2FJCt3whibyCY1DvfLR-JVmL0nuAL22-UoiVTsXEDcJBa-Blm4tNPYctrHaz1gd9t8slCtBITXuJ3bo35i4S83EtZbJKunzh4tEDTw_I-hob4LmLZQ-Ybp80m4K3XSSPxQdQiy2Y-jVK4nDBB6DTqqM4bjf-F&amp;c=Q_AHs-iIKULDHMPiGQd8oroVq_nR6u5c45WaybRky2OuZTzq0pLDQw==&amp;ch=jch9QDwa7HKUyfQaTV5SVJPWYc4dHukmFRzD37_jWKz6_iZ5jQPF5A==" target="_blank">KDHE Coronavirus website</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The best way to stop the spread of COVID-19 and thus prevent mutation of the virus is:

•Get tested&nbsp;if you feel unwell, even if you don’t believe it is COVID. You can find testing centers at&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001rVw2FJCt3whibyCY1DvfLR-JVmL0nuAL22-UoiVTsXEDcJBa-Blm4lERSgpz1_v3DGWQo4XQYmoLT6-zNAZEiJ0sHGjB3nYjXHxqFfMwFEtHGABSJ4Oag4fVJ927j7-wqTKkyfbGpU_ecyQ-73HbHA==&amp;c=Q_AHs-iIKULDHMPiGQd8oroVq_nR6u5c45WaybRky2OuZTzq0pLDQw==&amp;ch=jch9QDwa7HKUyfQaTV5SVJPWYc4dHukmFRzD37_jWKz6_iZ5jQPF5A==" target="_blank">gogettested.com</a>.

•Get vaccinated. You can find a vaccine at&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001rVw2FJCt3whibyCY1DvfLR-JVmL0nuAL22-UoiVTsXEDcJBa-Blm4qgS5RHzTaIoYd1AoVzJg1EXnzVfbnVQMIshUGEVXRxtx19AdbmTF19borixl-2ZRTCcXdI0Gz3YruF-57WRyejdueAvaHe4Sg==&amp;c=Q_AHs-iIKULDHMPiGQd8oroVq_nR6u5c45WaybRky2OuZTzq0pLDQw==&amp;ch=jch9QDwa7HKUyfQaTV5SVJPWYc4dHukmFRzD37_jWKz6_iZ5jQPF5A==" target="_blank">vaccines.gov</a>.

•Wear a mask, especially if you are not fully vaccinated.

•Maintain at least 6 feet of distance between yourself and those with whom you do not live.

•Do not travel to&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001rVw2FJCt3whibyCY1DvfLR-JVmL0nuAL22-UoiVTsXEDcJBa-Blm4qgS5RHzTaIoGaeaymUDmxujfNSFcQNJLoM1VG_iVY66Lui4heVZqmOUPdWXwAyPH2qKG-6ehHAkzjo5KzhHp_VsWyVs0GRKhAkeQ1aR93nd-yu150CpsKbQvncl2bOeNWN7d8_Lwn87Dlz_GDfNhNQ_4-AKcENFfgzsD-vWzHFD&amp;c=Q_AHs-iIKULDHMPiGQd8oroVq_nR6u5c45WaybRky2OuZTzq0pLDQw==&amp;ch=jch9QDwa7HKUyfQaTV5SVJPWYc4dHukmFRzD37_jWKz6_iZ5jQPF5A==" target="_blank">“hot spots."</a>

<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001rVw2FJCt3whibyCY1DvfLR-JVmL0nuAL22-UoiVTsXEDcJBa-Blm4qgS5RHzTaIoGaeaymUDmxujfNSFcQNJLoM1VG_iVY66Lui4heVZqmOUPdWXwAyPH2qKG-6ehHAkzjo5KzhHp_VsWyVs0GRKhAkeQ1aR93nd-yu150CpsKbQvncl2bOeNWN7d8_Lwn87Dlz_GDfNhNQ_4-AKcENFfgzsD-vWzHFD&amp;c=Q_AHs-iIKULDHMPiGQd8oroVq_nR6u5c45WaybRky2OuZTzq0pLDQw==&amp;ch=jch9QDwa7HKUyfQaTV5SVJPWYc4dHukmFRzD37_jWKz6_iZ5jQPF5A==" target="_blank"></a>•If you test positive, isolate immediately and be open and honest with COVID caseworkers about your contacts.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1626298515659.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>At least 21,387 people have been vaccinated in Saline County. This accounts for approximately 39.4 percent of the total population and an increase of just .4 percent over the previous week. We are aware of a reporting issue with federal providers like CVS, the VA, and others who are not reporting their vaccination numbers at the state level. We are awaiting a fix on the federal level. One additional death due to COVID-19 has been reported. Salina Regional Health Center reported today that four people require hospitalization for COVID-19. While medical privacy laws prevent the release of identifying information, teens and young adults account for the bulk of the new and active cases in the county, while most of the people requiring hospitalization are in their 40s, 50s, or 60s. In fact, the Saline County Health officer reports that since the beginning of June, just four people over the age of 70 have tested positive for the virus. A variant of COVID-19 has been detected in 25 of the 149 specimens the Kansas Department of Health and Environment has sequenced from Saline County. A deeper analysis of this information can be found on the&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001rVw2FJCt3whibyCY1DvfLR-JVmL0nuAL22-UoiVTsXEDcJBa-Blm4tNPYctrHaz1gd9t8slCtBITXuJ3bo35i4S83EtZbJKunzh4tEDTw_I-hob4LmLZQ-Ybp80m4K3XSSPxQdQiy2Y-jVK4nDBB6DTqqM4bjf-F&amp;c=Q_AHs-iIKULDHMPiGQd8oroVq_nR6u5c45WaybRky2OuZTzq0pLDQw==&amp;ch=jch9QDwa7HKUyfQaTV5SVJPWYc4dHukmFRzD37_jWKz6_iZ5jQPF5A==" target="_blank">KDHE Coronavirus website</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;The best way to stop the spread of COVID-19 and thus prevent mutation of the virus is:•Stay home&nbsp;if you are sick.•Get tested&nbsp;if you feel unwell, even if you don’t believe it is COVID. You can find testing centers at&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001rVw2FJCt3whibyCY1DvfLR-JVmL0nuAL22-UoiVTsXEDcJBa-Blm4lERSgpz1_v3DGWQo4XQYmoLT6-zNAZEiJ0sHGjB3nYjXHxqFfMwFEtHGABSJ4Oag4fVJ927j7-wqTKkyfbGpU_ecyQ-73HbHA==&amp;c=Q_AHs-iIKULDHMPiGQd8oroVq_nR6u5c45WaybRky2OuZTzq0pLDQw==&amp;ch=jch9QDwa7HKUyfQaTV5SVJPWYc4dHukmFRzD37_jWKz6_iZ5jQPF5A==" target="_blank">gogettested.com</a>.•Get vaccinated. You can find a vaccine at&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001rVw2FJCt3whibyCY1DvfLR-JVmL0nuAL22-UoiVTsXEDcJBa-Blm4qgS5RHzTaIoYd1AoVzJg1EXnzVfbnVQMIshUGEVXRxtx19AdbmTF19borixl-2ZRTCcXdI0Gz3YruF-57WRyejdueAvaHe4Sg==&amp;c=Q_AHs-iIKULDHMPiGQd8oroVq_nR6u5c45WaybRky2OuZTzq0pLDQw==&amp;ch=jch9QDwa7HKUyfQaTV5SVJPWYc4dHukmFRzD37_jWKz6_iZ5jQPF5A==" target="_blank">vaccines.gov</a>.•Wear a mask, especially if you are not fully vaccinated.•Maintain at least 6 feet of distance between yourself and those with whom you do not live.•Do not travel to&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001rVw2FJCt3whibyCY1DvfLR-JVmL0nuAL22-UoiVTsXEDcJBa-Blm4qgS5RHzTaIoGaeaymUDmxujfNSFcQNJLoM1VG_iVY66Lui4heVZqmOUPdWXwAyPH2qKG-6ehHAkzjo5KzhHp_VsWyVs0GRKhAkeQ1aR93nd-yu150CpsKbQvncl2bOeNWN7d8_Lwn87Dlz_GDfNhNQ_4-AKcENFfgzsD-vWzHFD&amp;c=Q_AHs-iIKULDHMPiGQd8oroVq_nR6u5c45WaybRky2OuZTzq0pLDQw==&amp;ch=jch9QDwa7HKUyfQaTV5SVJPWYc4dHukmFRzD37_jWKz6_iZ5jQPF5A==" target="_blank">“hot spots."</a><a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001rVw2FJCt3whibyCY1DvfLR-JVmL0nuAL22-UoiVTsXEDcJBa-Blm4qgS5RHzTaIoGaeaymUDmxujfNSFcQNJLoM1VG_iVY66Lui4heVZqmOUPdWXwAyPH2qKG-6ehHAkzjo5KzhHp_VsWyVs0GRKhAkeQ1aR93nd-yu150CpsKbQvncl2bOeNWN7d8_Lwn87Dlz_GDfNhNQ_4-AKcENFfgzsD-vWzHFD&amp;c=Q_AHs-iIKULDHMPiGQd8oroVq_nR6u5c45WaybRky2OuZTzq0pLDQw==&amp;ch=jch9QDwa7HKUyfQaTV5SVJPWYc4dHukmFRzD37_jWKz6_iZ5jQPF5A==" target="_blank"></a>•If you test positive, isolate immediately and be open and honest with COVID caseworkers about your contacts.&nbsp;&nbsp;

By MATTHEW PERRONE and MIKE STOBBE, Associated Press

WASHINGTON (AP) — Johnson &amp; Johnson’s COVID-19 vaccine may pose a “small possible risk” of a rare but potentially dangerous neurological reaction, U.S. health officials said Monday.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said in a statement it has received reports of 100 people who got the shot developing Guillain-Barré syndrome, an immune system disorder that can cause muscle weakness and occasionally paralysis.

That number represents a tiny fraction of the nearly 13 million Americans who have received the one-dose vaccine. Most cases of the side effect were reported in men — many 50 years old and up — and usually about two weeks after vaccination.

The CDC said it would ask its panel of outside vaccine experts to review the issue at an upcoming meeting. J&amp;J didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment.

he government said the vaccines most used in the U.S., made by Pfizer and Moderna, show no risk of the disorder after more than 320 million doses have been administered.

Guillain-Barre syndrome occurs when the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks some of its nerve cells, causing muscle weakness and sometimes paralysis that typically is temporary. An estimated 3,000 to 6,000 people develop the syndrome each year, according to the CDC.

Vaccines historically provide broad protection with little risk but come with occasional side effects just like other drugs and medical therapies. The three COVID-19 vaccines used in the U.S. were each tested in tens of thousands of people, but even such huge studies can’t rule out extremely rare side effects.

The CDC and the Food and Drug Administration have been monitoring side effect reports submitted by physicians, drugmakers and patients to a federal vaccine safety database.

Guillain-Barre can be triggered by a number of infections, including flu, cytomegalovirus and Zika virus. But there have been rare cases in which people develop the disorder days or weeks after receiving certain vaccines.

J&amp;J’s vaccine was highly anticipated because of its one-and-done formulation and easy-to-ship refrigeration. But early on, it was linked to another rare risk, of blood clots, and the company hasn’t been able to produce as much as expected because of problems at a Baltimore factory that helps make the shots.

By MATTHEW PERRONE and MIKE STOBBE, Associated PressWASHINGTON (AP) — Johnson &amp; Johnson’s COVID-19 vaccine may pose a “small possible risk” of a rare but potentially dangerous neurological reaction, U.S. health officials said Monday.The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said in a statement it has received reports of 100 people who got the shot developing Guillain-Barré syndrome, an immune system disorder that can cause muscle weakness and occasionally paralysis.That number represents a tiny fraction of the nearly 13 million Americans who have received the one-dose vaccine. Most cases of the side effect were reported in men — many 50 years old and up — and usually about two weeks after vaccination.The CDC said it would ask its panel of outside vaccine experts to review the issue at an upcoming meeting. J&amp;J didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment.he government said the vaccines most used in the U.S., made by Pfizer and Moderna, show no risk of the disorder after more than 320 million doses have been administered.Guillain-Barre syndrome occurs when the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks some of its nerve cells, causing muscle weakness and sometimes paralysis that typically is temporary. An estimated 3,000 to 6,000 people develop the syndrome each year, according to the CDC.Vaccines historically provide broad protection with little risk but come with occasional side effects just like other drugs and medical therapies. The three COVID-19 vaccines used in the U.S. were each tested in tens of thousands of people, but even such huge studies can’t rule out extremely rare side effects.The CDC and the Food and Drug Administration have been monitoring side effect reports submitted by physicians, drugmakers and patients to a federal vaccine safety database.Guillain-Barre can be triggered by a number of infections, including flu, cytomegalovirus and Zika virus. But there have been rare cases in which people develop the disorder days or weeks after receiving certain vaccines.J&amp;J’s vaccine was highly anticipated because of its one-and-done formulation and easy-to-ship refrigeration. But early on, it was linked to another rare risk, of blood clots, and the company hasn’t been able to produce as much as expected because of problems at a Baltimore factory that helps make the shots.___

US officials flag "small" risk with J&J vaccine

MINNEAPOLIS - The Delta variant of COVID-19 has been identified in Ottawa County cases. From the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/OttawaCountyHealthAging/">Ottawa County Health Department</a> Facebook page:

MINNEAPOLIS - The Delta variant of COVID-19 has been identified in Ottawa County cases. From the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/OttawaCountyHealthAging/">Ottawa County Health Department</a> Facebook page:<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FOttawaCountyHealthAging%2Fposts%2F4232606470138480&show_text=true&width=500" width="500" height="419" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share"></iframe></div>

Delta variant found in Ottawa County, health department says

WASHINGTON (AP) — Pfizer says it plans to meet with top U.S. health officials Monday to discuss the drugmaker’s request for federal authorization of a third dose of its COVID-19 vaccine as President Joe Biden’s chief medical adviser acknowledged that “it is entirely conceivable, maybe likely” that booster shots will be needed.

The company said it was scheduled to have the meeting with the Food and Drug Administration and other officials Monday, days after Pfizer asserted that booster shots would be needed within 12 months.

Pfizer’s Dr. Mikael Dolsten&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/europe-coronavirus-pandemic-science-health-34c3f2536747a7c08980d7359a8de70c">told The Associated Press&nbsp;</a>last week that early data from the company’s booster study suggests people’s antibody levels jump five- to 10-fold after a third dose, compared to their second dose months earlier — evidence it believes supports the need for a booster.

On Sunday,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.niaid.nih.gov/about/director" target="_blank">Dr. Anthony Fauci</a>&nbsp;didn’t rule out the possibility but said it was too soon for the government to recommend another shot. He said the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the FDA did the right thing last week by pushing back against Pfizer’s assertion with their statement that they did not view booster shots as necessary “at this time.”

Fauci said clinical studies and laboratory data have yet to fully bear out the need for a booster to the current two-shot Pfizer and Moderna vaccines or the one-shot Johnson &amp; Johnson regimen.

“Right now, given the data and the information we have, we do not need to give people a third shot,” he said. “That doesn’t mean we stop there. ... There are studies being done now ongoing as we speak about looking at the feasibility about if and when we should be boosting people.”

He said it was quite possible in the coming months “as data evolves” that the government may urge a booster based on such factors as age and underlying medical conditions. “Certainly it is entirely conceivable, maybe likely at some time, we will need a boost,″ Fauci said.

Monday’s planned meeting between Pfizer and U.S. health officials was first reported by The Washington Post.

Currently only about 48% of the U.S. population is fully vaccinated. Some parts of the country have far lower immunization rates, and in those places the delta variant is surging. Last week, Dr. Rochelle Walensky, the CDC director, said that’s leading to “two truths” — highly immunized swaths of America are getting back to normal while hospitalizations are rising in other places.

Fauci said it was inexplicable that some Americans are so resistant to getting a vaccine when scientific data show how effective it is in staving off COVID-19 infections and hospitalizations, and he was dismayed by efforts to block making vaccinations more accessible, such as Biden’s suggestion of door-to-door outreach.

Gov. Asa Hutchinson, R-Ark., agreed Sunday that there is a vaccine resistance in Southern and rural states like his because “you have that more conservative approach, skepticism about government.”

Describing his efforts to boost vaccinations in his state, which is seeing rising infections, Hutchinson said “no one wants an agent knocking on a door,” but “we do want those that do not have access otherwise to make sure they know about it.”

The grassroots component of the federal vaccination campaign has been in operation since April, when supplies of shots began outpacing demand. It was outlined and funded by Congress in the $1.9 trillion COVID-19 relief bill passed in March and overwhelmingly is carried out by local officials and private sector workers and volunteers.

Rep. Adam Kinzinger, R-Ill., blasted opposition to vaccination efforts from some GOP lawmakers as “absolute insanity.” He said House Republican leader Kevin McCarthy of California and others in the party need to speak out against “these absolute clown politicians playing on your vaccine fears for their own selfish gain.”

Fauci appeared on CNN’s “State of the Union,” ABC’s “This Week” and CBS’ “Face the Nation”; Hutchinson spoke on ABC, and Kinzinger was on CNN.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Pfizer says it plans to meet with top U.S. health officials Monday to discuss the drugmaker’s request for federal authorization of a third dose of its COVID-19 vaccine as President Joe Biden’s chief medical adviser acknowledged that “it is entirely conceivable, maybe likely” that booster shots will be needed.The company said it was scheduled to have the meeting with the Food and Drug Administration and other officials Monday, days after Pfizer asserted that booster shots would be needed within 12 months.Pfizer’s Dr. Mikael Dolsten&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/europe-coronavirus-pandemic-science-health-34c3f2536747a7c08980d7359a8de70c">told The Associated Press&nbsp;</a>last week that early data from the company’s booster study suggests people’s antibody levels jump five- to 10-fold after a third dose, compared to their second dose months earlier — evidence it believes supports the need for a booster.On Sunday,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.niaid.nih.gov/about/director" target="_blank">Dr. Anthony Fauci</a>&nbsp;didn’t rule out the possibility but said it was too soon for the government to recommend another shot. He said the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the FDA did the right thing last week by pushing back against Pfizer’s assertion with their statement that they did not view booster shots as necessary “at this time.”Fauci said clinical studies and laboratory data have yet to fully bear out the need for a booster to the current two-shot Pfizer and Moderna vaccines or the one-shot Johnson &amp; Johnson regimen.“Right now, given the data and the information we have, we do not need to give people a third shot,” he said. “That doesn’t mean we stop there. ... There are studies being done now ongoing as we speak about looking at the feasibility about if and when we should be boosting people.”He said it was quite possible in the coming months “as data evolves” that the government may urge a booster based on such factors as age and underlying medical conditions. “Certainly it is entirely conceivable, maybe likely at some time, we will need a boost,″ Fauci said.Monday’s planned meeting between Pfizer and U.S. health officials was first reported by The Washington Post.Currently only about 48% of the U.S. population is fully vaccinated. Some parts of the country have far lower immunization rates, and in those places the delta variant is surging. Last week, Dr. Rochelle Walensky, the CDC director, said that’s leading to “two truths” — highly immunized swaths of America are getting back to normal while hospitalizations are rising in other places.Fauci said it was inexplicable that some Americans are so resistant to getting a vaccine when scientific data show how effective it is in staving off COVID-19 infections and hospitalizations, and he was dismayed by efforts to block making vaccinations more accessible, such as Biden’s suggestion of door-to-door outreach.Gov. Asa Hutchinson, R-Ark., agreed Sunday that there is a vaccine resistance in Southern and rural states like his because “you have that more conservative approach, skepticism about government.”Describing his efforts to boost vaccinations in his state, which is seeing rising infections, Hutchinson said “no one wants an agent knocking on a door,” but “we do want those that do not have access otherwise to make sure they know about it.”The grassroots component of the federal vaccination campaign has been in operation since April, when supplies of shots began outpacing demand. It was outlined and funded by Congress in the $1.9 trillion COVID-19 relief bill passed in March and overwhelmingly is carried out by local officials and private sector workers and volunteers.Rep. Adam Kinzinger, R-Ill., blasted opposition to vaccination efforts from some GOP lawmakers as “absolute insanity.” He said House Republican leader Kevin McCarthy of California and others in the party need to speak out against “these absolute clown politicians playing on your vaccine fears for their own selfish gain.”Fauci appeared on CNN’s “State of the Union,” ABC’s “This Week” and CBS’ “Face the Nation”; Hutchinson spoke on ABC, and Kinzinger was on CNN.

Fauci: Too soon to say if you may need vaccine booster

LINDSBORG -- Bethany College students and employees are expected to be vaccinated for the coronavirus for the fall semester.

"As a small residential campus, we thrive on face to face interaction and relationships that are integral to the community. Community is a core value we already embrace at Bethany so being mindful of those vulnerable in our campus community and of our impact on our larger Lindsborg community is expected.&nbsp;As such, this past week,&nbsp;Bethany College expressed an expectation that students and employees put the core value of community above all else and obtain the vaccination," Bethany College noted in a COVID-19 update email blast.&nbsp;

"We acknowledge this is a sensitive, private and for some a contentious issue. Because we expect, but will not require, the vaccine to be acquired, we have asked our employees and students to confidentially share their vaccination status so we can align health protocol with campus vaccination rates," the update continued.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Following is a message Bethany President Elizabeth Mauch sent to employees via email on July 1.

Dear Campus Community At Bethany we believe in the power of community. This means we are committed to personal and social responsibility, we care deeply for one another, and we seek to offer care and grace to all who enter our community to learn. We look forward to being able to open campus in ways not possible during the heights of the pandemic last year, but ask for your continued commitment to community, personal and social responsibility.

It is our expectation that everyone on campus will be vaccinated for COVID-19.&nbsp;However, exceptions will be provided.&nbsp;&nbsp;If we reach 70-80% vaccination rates, our faculty, staff, and students will have very few restrictions and we will be able to return to a new normal. If you are not already vaccinated and do not have a medical exception, please consider getting vaccinated to protect everyone in our wonderful Swede community.&nbsp;Because we acknowledge students may not have had access or opportunity, we are working to make the vaccine available on campus for a limited time upon their return.&nbsp;We are preparing to provide incentives for vaccinated students in the form of raffles or direct cash payments.&nbsp;More details to follow on a final incentive structure.&nbsp;

To help us plan for the most appropriate protocol per CDC guidelines for the safety of the entire campus community, we are requesting everyone’s vaccination status. Students have been asked to update their vaccine status through eSwede, and Human Resources will be sending a vaccination status inquiry to all employees in the next week.&nbsp;Please provide a timely and confidential response.&nbsp;We want to have a great year together, and we know that you want to help in that endeavor.

Please note that any unvaccinated person will be expected to follow all CDC and KDHE recommendations this fall.&nbsp;Bethany COVID policies will be updated to reflect these recommendations and shared by campus email no later than August 2, 2021.&nbsp;Protocol for unvaccinated individuals will include but not be limited to masking, self-isolation after potential exposure, and limited access to the cafeteria.&nbsp;

LINDSBORG -- Bethany College students and employees are expected to be vaccinated for the coronavirus for the fall semester."As a small residential campus, we thrive on face to face interaction and relationships that are integral to the community. Community is a core value we already embrace at Bethany so being mindful of those vulnerable in our campus community and of our impact on our larger Lindsborg community is expected.&nbsp;As such, this past week,&nbsp;Bethany College expressed an expectation that students and employees put the core value of community above all else and obtain the vaccination," Bethany College noted in a COVID-19 update email blast.&nbsp;"We acknowledge this is a sensitive, private and for some a contentious issue. Because we expect, but will not require, the vaccine to be acquired, we have asked our employees and students to confidentially share their vaccination status so we can align health protocol with campus vaccination rates," the update continued.&nbsp;&nbsp;Following is a message Bethany President Elizabeth Mauch sent to employees via email on July 1.Dear Campus Community At Bethany we believe in the power of community. This means we are committed to personal and social responsibility, we care deeply for one another, and we seek to offer care and grace to all who enter our community to learn. We look forward to being able to open campus in ways not possible during the heights of the pandemic last year, but ask for your continued commitment to community, personal and social responsibility. It is our expectation that everyone on campus will be vaccinated for COVID-19.&nbsp;However, exceptions will be provided.&nbsp;&nbsp;If we reach 70-80% vaccination rates, our faculty, staff, and students will have very few restrictions and we will be able to return to a new normal. If you are not already vaccinated and do not have a medical exception, please consider getting vaccinated to protect everyone in our wonderful Swede community.&nbsp;Because we acknowledge students may not have had access or opportunity, we are working to make the vaccine available on campus for a limited time upon their return.&nbsp;We are preparing to provide incentives for vaccinated students in the form of raffles or direct cash payments.&nbsp;More details to follow on a final incentive structure.&nbsp;To help us plan for the most appropriate protocol per CDC guidelines for the safety of the entire campus community, we are requesting everyone’s vaccination status. Students have been asked to update their vaccine status through eSwede, and Human Resources will be sending a vaccination status inquiry to all employees in the next week.&nbsp;Please provide a timely and confidential response.&nbsp;We want to have a great year together, and we know that you want to help in that endeavor.Please note that any unvaccinated person will be expected to follow all CDC and KDHE recommendations this fall.&nbsp;Bethany COVID policies will be updated to reflect these recommendations and shared by campus email no later than August 2, 2021.&nbsp;Protocol for unvaccinated individuals will include but not be limited to masking, self-isolation after potential exposure, and limited access to the cafeteria.&nbsp;Sincerely, Beth&nbsp;&nbsp;

Bethany College announces vaccination expectation

Here is the Saline County COVID-19 report for this week:

New cases of COVID-19 are on the rise again in Saline County. Particularly worrisome is that variants of the virus and hospitalizations are climbing quickly, while the number of vaccinated people in Saline County is stagnating.

Transmission is what allows the opportunity for mutation. The longer a virus circulates among a population, the more likely it is to mutate and overcome current medical and non-medical interventions. Prevention of variant strains of the virus is of the utmost importance.&nbsp;

Due to the recent abrupt rise of new cases, Saline County began sending all positive COVID-19 PCR samples to be sequenced for variants last week. Currently, at least 20 people in Saline County have tested positive for a variant of the virus, an increase of seven over the last week.

Previously, once a sample tested positive, an investigation would determine whether or not the sample warranted further testing. Unusual circumstances, like the person having had the virus previously, being fully vaccinated, or seeing multiple cases in a short amount of time, would warrant further testing if possible.&nbsp;

The Delta variant is quickly becoming the dominant strain in Kansas and the surrounding states, specifically Missouri, Iowa, and Nebraska. This variant is substantially more transmissible, up to 60 percent more than the previous U.K. (Alpha) variant, and more dangerous. Vaccines provide a significant level of protection against variants. Research has shown vaccinated persons are less likely to contract the virus and less likely to require hospitalization if they do.

There have been 40 new confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the last week. Currently, five people require hospitalization at Salina Regional for COVID-19.

At least 21,140 people have been vaccinated in Saline County. We are aware of a reporting issue with federal providers like CVS, the VA, and others who are&nbsp;not&nbsp;reporting their vaccination numbers at the state level. We are awaiting a fix on the federal level.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1625693763764.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Here is the Saline County COVID-19 report for this week:New cases of COVID-19 are on the rise again in Saline County. Particularly worrisome is that variants of the virus and hospitalizations are climbing quickly, while the number of vaccinated people in Saline County is stagnating. Transmission is what allows the opportunity for mutation. The longer a virus circulates among a population, the more likely it is to mutate and overcome current medical and non-medical interventions. Prevention of variant strains of the virus is of the utmost importance.&nbsp; Due to the recent abrupt rise of new cases, Saline County began sending all positive COVID-19 PCR samples to be sequenced for variants last week. Currently, at least 20 people in Saline County have tested positive for a variant of the virus, an increase of seven over the last week. Previously, once a sample tested positive, an investigation would determine whether or not the sample warranted further testing. Unusual circumstances, like the person having had the virus previously, being fully vaccinated, or seeing multiple cases in a short amount of time, would warrant further testing if possible.&nbsp; The Delta variant is quickly becoming the dominant strain in Kansas and the surrounding states, specifically Missouri, Iowa, and Nebraska. This variant is substantially more transmissible, up to 60 percent more than the previous U.K. (Alpha) variant, and more dangerous. Vaccines provide a significant level of protection against variants. Research has shown vaccinated persons are less likely to contract the virus and less likely to require hospitalization if they do. There have been 40 new confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the last week. Currently, five people require hospitalization at Salina Regional for COVID-19. At least 21,140 people have been vaccinated in Saline County. We are aware of a reporting issue with federal providers like CVS, the VA, and others who are&nbsp;not&nbsp;reporting their vaccination numbers at the state level. We are awaiting a fix on the federal level.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Saline County Health Officer, along with Saline County medical experts, urge residents to remain vigilant in our community battle against COVID-19, as positive cases are rising in Saline County and the Delta variant has been detected. 

This vigilance is highly important with the upcoming 4th&nbsp;of July weekend.

Constant transmission is what allows the opportunity for mutation. The longer a virus circulates among a population, the more likely it is to mutate and overcome current medical interventions. Prevention of variant strains of the virus is of the utmost importance.&nbsp;

●Get tested&nbsp;if you feel unwell, even if you don’t believe it is COVID. You can find testing centers at&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001-Hs-s5PEFA7tm3VK9KOpO1UEV09i5KPjjVFwmZVC82FvRxQwBrbpNrW_V399fmeZS73JsTAaJSVKFGBE3HU8jVUTu6Dr7tyWCg9RQTrSb2mYexy6Myy6jIsZQl45D4yerPFdM-ofT-MmH35vIGoIQQ==&amp;c=TuYf6DrdB2NA9x6uVvvjm_A_rzDzXDZqZzZHkYZOvTKkr12ITvyeRw==&amp;ch=DTgbPUEn9yrmqKqmRa65ItbnzSpveMRqme4W75LItGbHyIq-1x2--g==" target="_blank">gogettested.com</a>.

●Get vaccinated. You can find a vaccine at&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001-Hs-s5PEFA7tm3VK9KOpO1UEV09i5KPjjVFwmZVC82FvRxQwBrbpNqik03-Am44v6jn9CyMTMl8mDKhmvY8_iAyxqNReWyp5i6mwSrJxT21mZHspTDPI5LAM6zSOy0yvWnU-CmwOPx8rgVpBAPzWDg==&amp;c=TuYf6DrdB2NA9x6uVvvjm_A_rzDzXDZqZzZHkYZOvTKkr12ITvyeRw==&amp;ch=DTgbPUEn9yrmqKqmRa65ItbnzSpveMRqme4W75LItGbHyIq-1x2--g==" target="_blank">vaccines.gov</a>.

●Wear a mask, especially if you are not fully vaccinated.

●Maintain at least six feet of distance between yourself and those with whom you do not live.

●Do not travel to&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001-Hs-s5PEFA7tm3VK9KOpO1UEV09i5KPjjVFwmZVC82FvRxQwBrbpNqik03-Am44vZFdaLJEuzgIOG9jGziYJM0gAeAy1BucE-FGFLXhW4xZowltqhlekuefMSoLSky_j--7fx1Z10Rn4Q_KcVHit05fNfZlknIJeQR5yKqTCseMqR3ptpNvTktgs-JUuOpZlW9OrwhobNMDcE2ejOjwM7L7BOwLub2lw&amp;c=TuYf6DrdB2NA9x6uVvvjm_A_rzDzXDZqZzZHkYZOvTKkr12ITvyeRw==&amp;ch=DTgbPUEn9yrmqKqmRa65ItbnzSpveMRqme4W75LItGbHyIq-1x2--g==" target="_blank">“hot spots."</a>

<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001-Hs-s5PEFA7tm3VK9KOpO1UEV09i5KPjjVFwmZVC82FvRxQwBrbpNqik03-Am44vZFdaLJEuzgIOG9jGziYJM0gAeAy1BucE-FGFLXhW4xZowltqhlekuefMSoLSky_j--7fx1Z10Rn4Q_KcVHit05fNfZlknIJeQR5yKqTCseMqR3ptpNvTktgs-JUuOpZlW9OrwhobNMDcE2ejOjwM7L7BOwLub2lw&amp;c=TuYf6DrdB2NA9x6uVvvjm_A_rzDzXDZqZzZHkYZOvTKkr12ITvyeRw==&amp;ch=DTgbPUEn9yrmqKqmRa65ItbnzSpveMRqme4W75LItGbHyIq-1x2--g==" target="_blank"></a>●If you test positive, isolate immediately and be open and honest with COVID caseworkers about your contacts.

Currently, at least 13 people in Saline County have tested positive for a variant of the virus. The Delta variant is quickly becoming the dominant strain in Kansas and the surrounding states, specifically Missouri, Iowa, and Nebraska. This variant is substantially more transmissible, up to 60 percent more than the previous U.K. (Alpha) variant, and more dangerous. 

Vaccines provide a significant level of protection against variants. Research has shown vaccinated persons are less likely to contract the virus and less likely to require hospitalization if they do.

Effective today, Saline County will send all positive COVID-19 PCR samples to be tested for variants. Previously, once a sample tested positive, an investigation would determine whether or not the sample warranted further testing. Unusual circumstances, like the person having had the virus previously, being fully vaccinated, or seeing multiple cases in a short amount of time, would warrant further testing if possible.&nbsp;

There have been 38 new confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the last week, with one sample testing positive for the Delta variant and others presumed to be the Delta variant.

At least 20,972 people have been vaccinated in Saline County. We are aware of a reporting issue with federal providers like CVS, the VA, and others who are&nbsp;not&nbsp;reporting their vaccination numbers at the state level. We are awaiting a fix on the federal level.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Saline County Health Officer, along with Saline County medical experts, urge residents to remain vigilant in our community battle against COVID-19, as positive cases are rising in Saline County and the Delta variant has been detected. This vigilance is highly important with the upcoming 4th&nbsp;of July weekend. Constant transmission is what allows the opportunity for mutation. The longer a virus circulates among a population, the more likely it is to mutate and overcome current medical interventions. Prevention of variant strains of the virus is of the utmost importance.&nbsp; The best way to stop the spread of COVID-19 and thus prevent mutation of the virus is:●Stay home&nbsp;if you are sick.●Get tested&nbsp;if you feel unwell, even if you don’t believe it is COVID. You can find testing centers at&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001-Hs-s5PEFA7tm3VK9KOpO1UEV09i5KPjjVFwmZVC82FvRxQwBrbpNrW_V399fmeZS73JsTAaJSVKFGBE3HU8jVUTu6Dr7tyWCg9RQTrSb2mYexy6Myy6jIsZQl45D4yerPFdM-ofT-MmH35vIGoIQQ==&amp;c=TuYf6DrdB2NA9x6uVvvjm_A_rzDzXDZqZzZHkYZOvTKkr12ITvyeRw==&amp;ch=DTgbPUEn9yrmqKqmRa65ItbnzSpveMRqme4W75LItGbHyIq-1x2--g==" target="_blank">gogettested.com</a>.●Get vaccinated. You can find a vaccine at&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001-Hs-s5PEFA7tm3VK9KOpO1UEV09i5KPjjVFwmZVC82FvRxQwBrbpNqik03-Am44v6jn9CyMTMl8mDKhmvY8_iAyxqNReWyp5i6mwSrJxT21mZHspTDPI5LAM6zSOy0yvWnU-CmwOPx8rgVpBAPzWDg==&amp;c=TuYf6DrdB2NA9x6uVvvjm_A_rzDzXDZqZzZHkYZOvTKkr12ITvyeRw==&amp;ch=DTgbPUEn9yrmqKqmRa65ItbnzSpveMRqme4W75LItGbHyIq-1x2--g==" target="_blank">vaccines.gov</a>.●Wear a mask, especially if you are not fully vaccinated.●Maintain at least six feet of distance between yourself and those with whom you do not live.●Do not travel to&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001-Hs-s5PEFA7tm3VK9KOpO1UEV09i5KPjjVFwmZVC82FvRxQwBrbpNqik03-Am44vZFdaLJEuzgIOG9jGziYJM0gAeAy1BucE-FGFLXhW4xZowltqhlekuefMSoLSky_j--7fx1Z10Rn4Q_KcVHit05fNfZlknIJeQR5yKqTCseMqR3ptpNvTktgs-JUuOpZlW9OrwhobNMDcE2ejOjwM7L7BOwLub2lw&amp;c=TuYf6DrdB2NA9x6uVvvjm_A_rzDzXDZqZzZHkYZOvTKkr12ITvyeRw==&amp;ch=DTgbPUEn9yrmqKqmRa65ItbnzSpveMRqme4W75LItGbHyIq-1x2--g==" target="_blank">“hot spots."</a><a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001-Hs-s5PEFA7tm3VK9KOpO1UEV09i5KPjjVFwmZVC82FvRxQwBrbpNqik03-Am44vZFdaLJEuzgIOG9jGziYJM0gAeAy1BucE-FGFLXhW4xZowltqhlekuefMSoLSky_j--7fx1Z10Rn4Q_KcVHit05fNfZlknIJeQR5yKqTCseMqR3ptpNvTktgs-JUuOpZlW9OrwhobNMDcE2ejOjwM7L7BOwLub2lw&amp;c=TuYf6DrdB2NA9x6uVvvjm_A_rzDzXDZqZzZHkYZOvTKkr12ITvyeRw==&amp;ch=DTgbPUEn9yrmqKqmRa65ItbnzSpveMRqme4W75LItGbHyIq-1x2--g==" target="_blank"></a>●If you test positive, isolate immediately and be open and honest with COVID caseworkers about your contacts.Currently, at least 13 people in Saline County have tested positive for a variant of the virus. The Delta variant is quickly becoming the dominant strain in Kansas and the surrounding states, specifically Missouri, Iowa, and Nebraska. This variant is substantially more transmissible, up to 60 percent more than the previous U.K. (Alpha) variant, and more dangerous. Vaccines provide a significant level of protection against variants. Research has shown vaccinated persons are less likely to contract the virus and less likely to require hospitalization if they do. Effective today, Saline County will send all positive COVID-19 PCR samples to be tested for variants. Previously, once a sample tested positive, an investigation would determine whether or not the sample warranted further testing. Unusual circumstances, like the person having had the virus previously, being fully vaccinated, or seeing multiple cases in a short amount of time, would warrant further testing if possible.&nbsp; <figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1625091331557.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>There have been 38 new confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the last week, with one sample testing positive for the Delta variant and others presumed to be the Delta variant. At least 20,972 people have been vaccinated in Saline County. We are aware of a reporting issue with federal providers like CVS, the VA, and others who are&nbsp;not&nbsp;reporting their vaccination numbers at the state level. We are awaiting a fix on the federal level.&nbsp;&nbsp;

COVID-19 Delta variant on the rise in Saline County

Salina Regional Health Center and its affiliated Salina clinics are modifying their COVID-19 visitor restrictions to accommodate patients and families while COVID-19 infection numbers remain low in the community.

Effective today, hospital inpatients may have two visitors in the building at the same time instead of two visitors per day. Visitors will be required to check out at the hospital’s main entrance to allow additional visitors to enter.

In addition, all outpatients, emergency room patients and clinic patients may have two visitors/assistants accompany them for appointments.

“We will continue to monitor COVID-19 infection risk in our community and adjust our visitation policies to both accommodate patients and families and protect patients and staff,” said Bethanie McDowell, infection prevention director at Salina Regional Health Center.

All other COVID-19 guidelines will remain in place:

• All who enter the facilities will be screened for COVID-19 infection risk.

• Visitors will be given a visitor identification bracelet upon entry.

• Hospital visitors must be age 18 or older.

• Masks will be required for all patients and visitors age 2 and older following state and&nbsp;federal COVID-19 requirements for health care facilities.

• Visitors should remain with patients as much as possible and socially distance from others.

• Patients who are COVID-19 positive, or who are being tested for COVID-19, will not be&nbsp;allowed to have visitors.

Salina Regional Health Center and its affiliated Salina clinics are modifying their COVID-19 visitor restrictions to accommodate patients and families while COVID-19 infection numbers remain low in the community.Effective today, hospital inpatients may have two visitors in the building at the same time instead of two visitors per day. Visitors will be required to check out at the hospital’s main entrance to allow additional visitors to enter.In addition, all outpatients, emergency room patients and clinic patients may have two visitors/assistants accompany them for appointments.“We will continue to monitor COVID-19 infection risk in our community and adjust our visitation policies to both accommodate patients and families and protect patients and staff,” said Bethanie McDowell, infection prevention director at Salina Regional Health Center.All other COVID-19 guidelines will remain in place:• All who enter the facilities will be screened for COVID-19 infection risk.• Visitors will be given a visitor identification bracelet upon entry.• Hospital visitors must be age 18 or older.• Masks will be required for all patients and visitors age 2 and older following state and&nbsp;federal COVID-19 requirements for health care facilities.• Visitors should remain with patients as much as possible and socially distance from others.• Patients who are COVID-19 positive, or who are being tested for COVID-19, will not be&nbsp;allowed to have visitors.• Compassionate exceptions to these guidelines will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

Coronavirus Update